some insight on white plains schools (Yonkers, Mamaroneck: co-op, houses, neighborhood)

[LightningMcQueen]

To any parents, teachers, or administrators in the White Plains district,

We want to settle into a school district within the next year and White Plains is one of the districts we're looking into. From what I've read before on this forum, White Plains does not have the best reputation. Why is this the case? Is it simply because of the racial diversity, or is there something more like lack of quality in the curriculum and the teachers?

Now, I did visit the Mamaroneck Ave School few months back and got a good vibe from the staff there, but I'm looking for some first hand experience because you really can't tell anything from a 30 minute visit.

And what about the middle school? I heard that it is too big and that's where some of the bad rep comes from because the students don't get enough individualized attention. And what about the high school? Do they have a wide array of AP programs? Do they have the kind of environment that fosters ambition and produces a significant number of ivy or top ranked university bound students?

Now, we happen to be Asian, and all stereotypes aside, we do care a great deal about our children's education. And if White Plains has good teachers and the proper funding and advanced programs where talented students can be challenged and recognized, then I would feel better about looking past these average test scores.

As I mentioned, we are an Asian family, professional working parents. The only concern I have about the racial diversity is that our son might have trouble fitting in socially or being singled out because he is one of only few Asians. I believe the percentage break down is something like a 1/3 White, 1/3 Hispanic, and 1/3 African American, and very few Asians. But I'm not too concerned about this at the elementary level, but wonder how it might play out as he moves up the grade. I may be trying to look too far ahead.

Are there any parents out there who had similar reservations as I did. Please share your experience. And what about the vice versa? Did anyone move out of White Plains because they didn't like the schools.

Lastly, I think White Plains is otherwise a great city. Right now, you can get some great value on single family homes, not to mention affordable taxes. I would hate to compromise on this.

[sdcity]

I am neither a parent nor an administrator, but I'll give you my opinion.

There are a lot better school districts in Westchester than White plains. Settling for White Plains schools in most cases will lead to mediocrity.

But if you child is smart enough, he/she could excel anywhere. If you the parents support the child, he/she can excel anywhere.

If you do not want to risk having a perfectly fine mediocre child then please send them to private school or buy a home in Scarsdale, Edgemont, etc...

I am sure White Plains has some really talented teachers and there might be some great success stories from their students. But why risk it?

[LightningMcQueen]

sdcity, My concerns exactly, which is why I haven't been able to commit to a purchase in White Plains. Yes, there are much better districts, but at what cost? I have a modest budget for a house that gets me a nice 3 bd 2 bth with a yard and a manageable tax bill in White Plains. Move the same house to Scarsdale or Edgemont and you are talking about a price tag close to, if not over, $1M and $20K tax.... seriously, I don't know how young families do it, unless their parents buy the house for them. If I were really compelled to buy into one these towns, then my only realistic option is to go with co-ops.... not too thrilled about that.

So right now, I'm looking more north for better value on the dollar, while I continue to look into White Plains. You said White Plains is mediocre... yes, on the average that is true. But if you were to look at the achieving students in White Plains and compare them to those in the better districts I wonder if there are any differences.

One thing I wish I had access to is the number or the percentage of HS grad from these various districts that get into the nation's top universities. Im sure percentage wise, White Plains would not do well, but if it turned out that White Plains produces a significant number of Ivy bound students, for example, then I would be ok with making a long term purchase in White Plains. But I don't think such info is available.

[7 Wishes]

Originally Posted by LightningMcQueen

sdcity, My concerns exactly, which is why I haven't been able to commit to a purchase in White Plains. Yes, there are much better districts, but at what cost? I have a modest budget for a house that gets me a nice 3 bd 2 bth with a yard and a manageable tax bill in White Plains. Move the same house to Scarsdale or Edgemont and you are talking about a price tag close to, if not over, $1M and $20K tax.... seriously, I don't know how young families do it, unless their parents buy the house for them. If I were really compelled to buy into one these towns, then my only realistic option is to go with co-ops.... not too thrilled about that.

So right now, I'm looking more north for better value on the dollar, while I continue to look into White Plains. You said White Plains is mediocre... yes, on the average that is true. But if you were to look at the achieving students in White Plains and compare them to those in the better districts I wonder if there are any differences.

One thing I wish I had access to is the number or the percentage of HS grad from these various districts that get into the nation's top universities. Im sure percentage wise, White Plains would not do well, but if it turned out that White Plains produces a significant number of Ivy bound students, for example, then I would be ok with making a long term purchase in White Plains. But I don't think such info is available.

Something to keep in mind is that school districts are examined with a fine tooth comb, no wait.....a microscope to a degree not found elsewhere here in Westchester County. Because of this, our housing is astronomically expensive and unaffordable to many, especially post-2008.

IMHO, White Plains is only considered "bad" because of a combination of diversity and because it's being compared against neighbors like Scarsdale, Edgemont, etc. Now let's compare it instead to Yonkers, Mt. Vernon, the Bronx, etc. I think if it existed anywhere outside Westchester it would rank pretty high.

Or to put another way, do I think White Plains is a "better" school district than Scarsdale? NO. But if I can't afford Scarsdale, or if I can but it's a "stretch", I don't think your kid will suffer in WP.

[znycgirl]

I think it sounds like you have your heart set on White Plains.... and I don't blame you. It's a cute neighborhood, tons to do & very diverse (like the real world).

To quell your fears... of course there are professionals that I know who had their education in the White Plains school system. If your kid is smart... they will make it anywhere (really). If your kid is lacking something... a school district like Scarsdale may not be the best place for him anyway.

In my opinion, you could always give WP a shot for at least elementary school.... and consider private school if he needs a different environment. You would probably make out well this way (in taxes and house costs).

[LightningMcQueen]

7 Wishes, znygirl,

Even though I am still looking for someone to respond with first hand experience, I appreciate your thought. I read some reviews on the middle school and I'm not hearing good things, like not enough emphasis on the talented students and quality of education that is mediocre. These reviews were from parents and the most recent review was from like 2006.

[flowergarden]

Just so you don't rule them out, we are seeing older (but remodeled) homes in the 650k to 750k range with taxes in the 13K range in Scarsdale (with Scarsdale schools) and in Armonk. Chappaqua, Edgemont and Ardsely have much higher taxes. Now, these houses are not mansions, but they are nice homes. We are looking at 4 Br/2.5 bath. Not every home falls into this category, but there are enough of them that I think you don't have to go to WP's unless there is something else that attracts you to that area. Also, Katonah with John Jay school district is pretty affordable, by Westchester standards anyway.

Good luck!

[LightningMcQueen]

Originally Posted by flowergarden

Just so you don't rule them out, we are seeing older (but remodeled) homes in the 650k to 750k range with taxes in the 13K range in Scarsdale (with Scarsdale schools) and in Armonk. Chappaqua, Edgemont and Ardsely have much higher taxes. Now, these houses are not mansions, but they are nice homes. We are looking at 4 Br/2.5 bath. Not every home falls into this category, but there are enough of them that I think you don't have to go to WP's unless there is something else that attracts you to that area. Also, Katonah with John Jay school district is pretty affordable, by Westchester standards anyway.

Good luck!

Have you seen those homes in the lower end of the Scarsdale spectrum? There are three that fall into my possible range and I wouldn't buy any of them even if they are in Scarsdale. I've seen some of them, and there is a reason why they are priced below $700K, which is my absolute max. One of them is not even a 3 bdrm and they are calling it a 3bdrm. The only thing that can work for me in Scarsdale is that co-op complex by the train station.

Any White Plains parents, former students who have any experiences to share about your school?, epecially the middle school.

[AurorainTarrytown]

I work at a public library close to White Plains and I often help White Plains residents. Many of them have become "regulars" and we have gotten to talking. These are smart kids with parents who are professionals. They have been very happy with the W.P. school system and they have all been there since K. A few of them are now in high school and they are taking very challenging A.P. classes. I know because I help them find books and sources for their impossibly difficult and complicated papers! One of my W.P. patrons just started Dartmouth and another one is a senior now and is looking (realistically) at UPenn and Georgetown. From what I understand W.P. is one of very few Westchester school systems which offers a gifted program at the elementary level.
I really think smart kids with involved parents can get a good eductaion virtually anywhere. As far as getting into an elite college goes it is actually to a student's advantage to not be at a school like Scarsdale where large percentages are going to the same elite school as those elite schools will only accept so many students from one high school.

[LightningMcQueen]

Aurorain, Thanks for sharing that info. And good point on the last paragraph.